Internal Design Lead

Bushwise; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Bed nights

Job summary

Bushwise is seeking an Internal Design Lead to shape the interior design and guest experience across a portfolio of luxury lodges, camps and yachts. You will lead projects from concept to installation, ensuring a distinctive sense of place while upholding a cohesive luxury aesthetic.

You will work across FF&E/OS&E, guest rooms, restaurants and public areas, coordinating with architects, contractors and procurement. Travel to remote properties is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years interior design experience.
• Luxury hospitality experience highly advantageous.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development and installations.
• Experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors and suppliers.
• Strong FF&E and OS&E knowledge.
• Excellent presentation, communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop strong design concepts inspired by landscape, culture and destination.
• Manage design projects from concept through installation and final styling.
• Collaborate with architects, designers, contractors and procurement.
• Review drawings, specs, materials and samples.
• Oversee site installations, snagging and openings.
• Develop design guidelines and property references.
• Source suppliers and artisans while considering durability and value.
• Travel regularly to remote lodges, camps and yachts.

Skills

Interior design

Creative thinking

Project management

Communication

Adaptability

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Sandton, South Africa | Posted on 09/18/2026

NOW HIRING | INTERNAL DESIGN LEAD – LODGES, CAMPS & YACHTS

Position: Permanent

Salary: Market Related

Are you a passionate Interior Designer with a strong creative vision and a love for luxury hospitality?

Our client has a role available for an Internal Design Lead to shape the physical design and guest experience across a portfolio of luxury lodges, camps and yachts.

THE ROLE

You’ll lead the interior design journey from initial concept through to installation, ensuring every property has a distinctive sense of place while maintaining a cohesive luxury aesthetic.

You’ll work across:

• FF&E and OS&E
• Guest rooms and public areas
• Restaurants, bars and spas
• Art, accessories, lighting and styling
• New developments and refurbishments
• Supplier and artisan relationships

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop strong design concepts inspired by landscape, culture, local craft and destination
• Manage design projects from concept through installation and final styling
• Work closely with architects, designers, contractors, procurement and lodge operations
• Review drawings, specifications, materials, samples and prototypes
• Oversee site installations, snagging and opening readiness
• Develop and maintain design guidelines and property references
• Source quality suppliers, artisans and responsible materials
• Consider durability, sustainability, maintenance and long-term value
• Bring innovative design thinking while balancing operational realities
• Travel regularly to remote lodges, camps and yachts

IDEAL PROFILE

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Creative and concept-driven
• Commercially aware and highly organised
• Passionate about luxury design
• Culturally sensitive and curious
• Practical and solutions-focused
• Confident enough to challenge conventional thinking
• Comfortable working in remote and complex environments

NICE TO HAVE:

Safari lodge, yacht, marine, coastal or remote hospitality experience, as well as experience with artisans, community-based suppliers, hospitality openings, refurbishments, uniforms or retail product development

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' interior design experience
• Luxury hospitality experience highly advantageous
• Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development and completed installations
• Experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors and suppliers
• Strong FF&E and OS&E knowledge
• Excellent knowledge of materials, finishes, furniture, lighting and styling
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong commercial understanding of budgets, quotations and procurement
• Excellent presentation, communication and project management skills

50% medical aid, provident fund, bed nights